CDF files exist as 9 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Computable Document Format File
CDF supports text formatting, tables, images, sounds, and animations. It allows interactive elements like sliders, menus, and buttons. Content updates through embedded computation when interacting wit...
General Information
| Title | CDF File Extension |
| Extension | .cdf |
| Full Form | Computable Document Format File |
| File Type | Interactive Document File |
| Developer | Wolfram Research |
| MIME Type | application/cdf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Display interactive content |
| Additional Functions | Computation, Visualization |
| Features | Dynamic content, User interaction |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High interactivity |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes, with Mathematica |
Use Cases
| Educational Tools | Yes |
| Scientific Research | Yes |
| Data Analysis | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Embedded code execution |
| Best Practices | Validate source, Update software |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2011 |
| Latest Version | Depends on Mathematica version |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .nb, .m, .wl |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Wolfram Mathematica |
Commercial | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Wolfram CDF Player |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: CryENGINE Character Definition File
General Information
| Title | CDF File Extension |
| Extension | .cdf |
| Full Form | CryENGINE Character Definition File |
| File Type | Game Asset File |
| Developer | Crytek |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Define characters |
| Additional Functions | Store geometry, animation paths |
| Features | 3D character setup |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High-definition |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | Varies |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Game Development | Yes |
| Character Customization | Yes |
| Animation | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Minimal |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, version control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2002 |
| Latest Version | CryENGINE V (2023) |
Associated Types
| Related Extensions | .cgf, .chr, .skin, .caf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 CryENGINE |
Free, Subscription | Windows |
 Lumberyard |
Free | Windows |
Type 3: Common Data Format
General Information
| Title | CDF File Extension |
| Extension | .cdf |
| Full Form | Common Data Format |
| File Type | Data File |
| Developer | NASA |
| MIME Type | application/x-cdf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store data |
| Additional Functions | Data interchange, Multidimensional data |
| Features | Multivariate, Platform-independent |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Scientific Data | Yes |
| Engineering | Yes |
| Education | Yes |
| Space Missions | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Validation, Verification |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1985 |
| Latest Version | CDF 3.8.0 (2021) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .nc, .hdf, .fits |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 NASA CDF |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux, UNIX |
| MATLAB |
Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| CDF Player |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 4: NetCDF Format File
General Information
| Title | NetCDF File Extension |
| Extension | .cdf, .nc |
| Full Form | Network Common Data Form |
| File Type | Data File |
| Developer | Unidata |
| MIME Type | application/x-netcdf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store data |
| Additional Functions | Data interchange, Archive |
| Features | Multidimensional data, Scientific data |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Scientific Analysis | Yes |
| Climate Data | Yes |
| Oceanographic Data | Yes |
| Remote Sensing | Yes |
| Geospatial Data | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Data validation, Version control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1989 |
| Latest Version | NetCDF 4.8.0 (2020) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .hdf, .hdf5, .grib, .nc4 |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| NetCDF Java Library |
Free | Cross-platform |
| Panoply Data Viewer |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| MATLAB |
Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 5: Affymetrix Chip Definition File
The .CDF file extension has multiple uses. One popular use is for Affymetrix Chip Definition Files. These files define which probes on a DNA microarray belong together. Another use is for Channel Defi...
General Information
| Title | CDF File Extension |
| Extension | .cdf |
| Full Form | Chip Definition File |
| File Type | Data File |
| Developer | Affymetrix |
| MIME Type | application/x-netcdf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store chip layout |
| Additional Functions | Map probes, Identify features |
| Features | Binary format, Hierarchical structure |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Genomic Research | Yes |
| Microarray Analysis | Yes |
| Comparative Studies | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Minimal |
| Best Practices | Validate files, Use trusted sources |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Early 1990s |
| Latest Version | Varies by chip type |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .cel, .chp, .exp |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Affymetrix GeneChip Command Console |
Proprietary | Windows |
| Bioconductor and affy package |
Free | Cross-platform |
| Affymetrix Power Tools |
Free | Linux, Mac OS X |
Type 6: Nominal Small Business Accounting Company Data File
General Information
| Title | CDF File Extension |
| Extension | .cdf |
| Full Form | Company Data File |
| File Type | Accounting Data File |
| Developer | N/A |
| MIME Type | application/x-cdf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store accounting data |
| Additional Functions | Data import, export |
| Features | Structured, Financial records |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High integrity |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Via software |
Use Cases
| Small Business Accounting | Yes |
| Financial Reporting | Yes |
| Tax Preparation | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Unauthorized access |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, Access controls |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | N/A |
| Latest Version | N/A |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .qbw, .qbb, .qbm |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Small Business Accounting Software |
Commercial | Windows |
Type 7: Content Definition File
CDF files store content and metadata in an XML format. The CDF format shares enterprise content. Users, repositories and organizations exchange content with CDF files. CDF files were created for the C...
General Information
| Title | CDF File Extension |
| Extension | .cdf |
| Full Form | Content Definition File |
| File Type | Data File |
| Developer | Wolfram Research |
| MIME Type | application/x-netcdf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store data |
| Additional Functions | Data interchange |
| Features | Multidimensional data, Platform-independent |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Scientific Analysis | Yes |
| Environmental Data | Yes |
| Engineering | Yes |
| Education | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Minimal |
| Best Practices | Data validation, Backup |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Late 1980s |
| Latest Version | NetCDF 4.7.4 (2020) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .nc, .hdf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Wolfram Mathematica |
Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| NetCDF Library |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix |
| Panoply |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 8: Channel Definition Format
Channel Definition Format (CDF) was an XML file format used with Microsoft's Active Channel and Smart Offline Favorites technologies. The format offered frequently updated information collections from...
General Information
| Title | CDF File Extension |
| Extension | .cdf |
| Full Form | Channel Definition Format |
| File Type | Web Publishing File |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| MIME Type | application/x-cdf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Web channel, content distribution |
| Additional Functions | Push content updates |
| Features | Structured format, Obsolete |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Dependent on content |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Dynamic Channel Delivery | Yes |
| Offline Browsing | Yes |
| Desktop Alerts | Historically |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Limited, Obsolete |
| Best Practices | Validation, Update channels |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1990s |
| Latest Version | Discontinued |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .html, .xml |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Internet Explorer |
Free | Windows |
| CDF Player |
Free | Varies |
Type 9: C.Scope Data Log
The SVA file extension tells your device which app can open the file. We describe SVA file formats and common uses. We know programs that open these files from suggestions by users like you. Many file...
General Information
| Title | C.Scope Data Log File |
| Extension | .cdf |
| Full Form | Channel Definition Format |
| File Type | Data Log File |
| Developer | C.Scope International Ltd |
| MIME Type | application/x-netcdf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store data |
| Additional Functions | Logging information |
| Features | Geolocation, Metal detection |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | With software |
Use Cases
| Utility Detection | Yes |
| Surveying | Yes |
| Archaeology | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Minimal |
| Best Practices | Regular backups |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Unknown |
| Latest Version | Varies with device |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .dat, .log, .csv |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 C.Scope PC Toolkit |
Bundled | Windows |